It's easy to get lost when one looks for nutritional counseling, especially when grandiose promises are included. Andrew Weil MD, a supporter of eating an anti-inflammatory meal plan makes some solid recommendations.
He proposes that reducing inflammation through dietary intervention may help prevent chronic diseases. This type of diet is not for weight loss, although you can lose weight because it is low in calories and more nutrients than the typical American diet.
The goal of Dr Weil's anti-inflammatory diet is to improve your overall health.
The Effects of Inflammation
Inflammation is the body's attempt to protect itself. For example, if you suffer an injury, inflammation helps to facilitate healing, or if you are exposed to foreign substances, it provides protection. However, problems occur when you have an ongoing low-grade inflammation throughout your body.
The underlying inflammation is linked to heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. While some foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, other foods such as saturated fats promote it, according to DNA.
Proportions of omega-3 and omega-6
The typical American diet has an unbalanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. This is of particular importance, since omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and certain omega-6 fats promote inflammation. Weil recommends ingesting a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fats to reduce inflammation.
German researchers found that a low-anti-inflammatory diet in arachidonic acid - a type of omega-6 polyunsaturated fats - significantly reduces the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and increases the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fats in fish oil. The results were published in the January 2003 issue of the journal Rheumatology International.
Food pyramid of anti-inflammatories
The Arthritis Foundation recommends the pyramid of Weil's anti-inflammatory foods. Particular emphasis is placed on fresh fruits and vegetables, followed by whole grains, pasta and legumes, healthy fats, fish and shellfish. The items that Weil proposes to compensate for the smallest part of your diet include sweets. It is best to eat sweets in moderation, according to Weil's anti-inflammatory pyramid.
Potential anti-inflammatory diet
Weil's dietary recommendations are similar to a traditional Mediterranean-style diet. Compared to a US or European diet, a typical Mediterranean meal plan has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, according to a study published in the December 2010 issue of the journal Nutrition in Clinical Practice. However, well-designed studies are needed to determine whether an anti-inflammatory diet can help improve or prevent chronic diseases.
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